Miller Farms Field Trip

On Thursday we went on a field trip to Miller Farm for Chris's preschool.  They had a fun playground area with lots of things to climb on and explore.  They also had a mini maze, corn box (instead of a sand box) and a huge pile of dirt to slide down.  You could pay for a wagon ride and a chance to pick vegetables, but we just played around, which was free.  I might go back later with the older boys and go through the corn maze. 

 That's one big chair!

 They all loved the chickens.

 I would push Chris and the trailer so they could pretend to drive.  The pedals were very stiff and hard to push.

 Lots of pumpkins to choose from.

 We loaded up a wagon - you paid $30 for as many as you could fit in the wagon.  I think we did pretty well.  12-13 I think.

Doug home and late Birthday

Doug came home from Texas on Wednesday evening.  We just had time to sing to him and have some pie and ice cream.  Doug's birthday was on Saturday, but since he was gone we celebrated later.  After eating, he opened his few gifts (shirt, collage picture frame for his desk, and two canvas pictures that I had printed of him, see below).  Damon's comment was: "is that all?"  Yes, as adults we don't get as many presents. :(

Anyway, great to have him home and happy late birthday.  We love you!

New Ward boundaries

Yesterday at the adult session of stake conference they announced new ward boundaries in our stake.  Our ward lost a good section but gained a different housing development.  I will miss our friends that will be leaving, but then again we are moving soon so I guess it doesn't matter too much.  Next week will be really interesting to see what teachers we have.  Also our ward hasn't done our primary program yet, we postponed it due to a new singing leader being put in recently and other things, so now I don't know what they will do.

I went to the general session today with the kids by myself.  I left pretty early so we could get a bench seat, but still the only place big enough for us to sit was the front row.  Everyone did really well for the most part.  Some YW in the ward came over and sat by me to help which was nice.  The girls were done by 11:30 so I took them out to the RS room.  I didn't get much out of the conference, but I guess I needed to set the good example of going to church even when it's hard.

Week on my own

It wasn't too bad without Doug this week, but we did miss him.  Monday I was still tired from all the fun we had over the weekend and it was a rough day, mostly because I was grumpy.  I went to bed at 8:45 - and I never go to bed that early.  I was asleep before Tyler or Damon.

Fall is here and the colors are beautiful.  This is one of the entrances to our subdivision.  Since the trees were all planned the color scheme is really striking.  I love driving down the streets admiring the different colors.

Tuesday was Scouts, Wednesday I helped in Tyler's class in the morning and I had parent teacher conferences and Damon had Pack Meeting in the evening.  He got a ride and I took all the kids to the school.  They did pretty well while I visited.  Thursday I went to a farewell party for my friend Janae.  She is moving to Arkansas in about a month.  Friday we went to the zoo with my friend Natalie.  I figured we needed to use our pass all at least one more time before we leave.  We had a good time and we actually walked the whole zoo - everyone was tired of walking.

 We played in the sand and on the rocks for a bit in the morning waiting for the Tropcial building to open up.  It's our favorite with the fish, snakes, and komodo dragons.  It was a little chilly in the morning, but felt perfect later.  We still had to deal with school field trips, I didn't think there would be any in the fall.

These are the boys, minus the other one year old, so 7 boys.

Then just Jenna and Kaylee.

Yesterday was Doug's birthday, we called and sang to him and I had the hotel deliver a slice of apple pie to him in the evening.  It was a surprise and Doug turned them away since he hadn't ordered it, but they eventually got it worked out and he got his pie :).

The boys and I went costume hunting yesterday.  We had originally planned on Tyler wearing his karate gee, and Chris being Spider-Man, and we were still thinking about Damon.  Then we had the idea to have everyone be a Sklander character.  So we went to the Good Will store in Longmont.  I hadn't been there before and I think we were blessed.  We found lots of things that worked for our costumes and it was the half off day, so it was only $15 for three costumes and accessories.  We also went to Walmart to get a couple of more things for Tyler's costume.  Again we were blessed.  We needed some blue tights - impossible to find right.  We were going to buy some white ones when I saw through the shelves something blue.  On the other side, hidden from the front, were some blue leggings.  They were perfect.  I was so thankful that we were able to find the pieces that we needed to make our costumes.  I spray painted some stuff in the afternoon and we are still making some things, but everything should look pretty good, so stay tuned for Halloween.  :)

As a funny side note, I knew our errands were going to take awhile and I didn't have time to pack a lunch, and I didn't want to eat out since we had ordered pizza the day before.  So I threw some bread, peanut butter, honey, grapes and chips in a bag with our water bottles and I made sandwiches in the Ross parking lot and we ate in the van.  It actually worked out pretty well and everyone was in a much better mood before going into Walmart.

Houston here we come!

I think I can officially announce on our blog that we are moving.  We have known for a month and a half, but it took that long for the official offer to be written and signed.  Sigh, I just love the slow process of paperwork.  So we will be moving to Houston, Texas.  Hot, hot, hot!

Here's a synopsis:  On Labor Day weekend Doug was approached at work and told that there was a new team being formed in Houston and that they would like him to join.  He will be representing the Northwest region of Halliburton (Canada and the Rockies area) and helping them get the supplies that they need.  So Doug came home from work and told me the news and I was very surprised and honestly not very happy.  I have loved living here and have made so many great friends.  But now I have gotten used to the idea and have had some fun looking at new houses.  I am hoping for a bigger kitchen and some more space for the kids to play (inside and out).

Doug took a trip to Houston about two weeks ago to check things out and he finished up here in the Brighton office last Friday the 10th.  He worked in Houston this past week and has had some time to drive around and look at neighborhoods and he went to a few open houses yesterday.  I think it's funny that he started work on Monday the 13th, but he didn't really even have the job until the 15th.

So we are in the separation and limbo stage right now.  Not my favorite time.  I am tired from having the kids all the time and then staying up late talking to Doug and looking at houses.  But things are going ok.  I had a GNO last week (too bad I had to pay for a babysitter, but it was worth it).

Doug will be back this Wednesday evening - just in time for my book group, a neighborhood Halloween party, and the ward Trunk or Treat.  I don't know what he'll do the following week.  He may go back to Houston, or I think he would like to go to the Denver office and get some training from some of the people there.

Halliburton will move us, which is nice.  The down side is that we have to do everything through the re-locator person.  Doug filled out the form on Wednesday, but of course everything is slow.  We have to wait for the paper work for them to give us a realtor to put our house on the market, and we wait for them to give Doug a realtor to help him look there.  Sigh, it's just such a slow process.  Originally we were hoping to be moved by Halloween, now I hope it's before Thanksgiving.

So it's time to go on an adventure and make some new friends.  I am grateful for the church network system.  I have already talked to one Bishop's wife and I need to talk to some more.  Grateful that I have an instant family wherever I go.    

Fun Weekend

I got to have two fun nights this weekend. Friday night I went on a GNO to the Cheesecake Factory.  It is always fun to chat and eat yummy food.  Our reservations was pretty late so I ate dinner at home and just ordered some cheesecake.  I got a turtle pecan brownie flavor.  It was good.  I think next time though I will go with a simple strawberry or cherry topping.  The flavors were all good, but I didn't like the texture of the caramel and chocolate topping, too stiff and processed feeling.  I know they are supposed to have amazing cheesecakes, and they do, but I have to say I almost like my better.

So as we were chatting the movie Mazerunner came up and a couple of us said how we wanted to go.  Then someone said, let's go tonight.  So we looked up the closest theater and there was a showing at 10:20.  We finally got our checks and paid for our meals then headed to our cars.  We got there pretty quick, but it was 10:35, but the ticket guy said there was still 5 minutes of previews left.  So we found some seats, watched two previews and then enjoyed the show.  There were 4 of us that went, the other 4 at the restaurant needed to get home.

The show was intense and a bit scary.  I felt bad for my friend because she didn't know what to expect and probably wouldn't have come if she had known.  I had read the book, so I wasn't scared, but I did jump at the jumpy parts.

It was fun to do something spontaneous and I was grateful that Doug was home with the kids so I could go.  I was so wound up from the movie that even though I was in bed by 1:30, I didn't fall asleep until 2:00am.

Then Saturday was busy, it was probably a good thing too, I didn't have time to feel tired.  We cleaned, helped Doug drop off his work vehicle, cut Doug's hair, went grocery shopping, made a lasagna and bread sticks, and then got ready for our date.  I had been trying to get this date together for a long time, and frankly I was very sick of dealing with date changes and trying to get everyone together.  There were just some many ward and other things going on that it made our date options very limited.  We were working around Stake Conference (adult session),  Father's and Sons campout, Homecoming, Homecoming game, a friend's Halloween party, the ward trunk or treat, and Doug's schedule.  So that's why we went yesterday.  I was grateful that 3 other couples were able to come with us.

We went to MadCap Theatre.  I went for a GNO in the spring and had wanted to take Doug.  It is a great improv place that keeps things 'above the belt' as they put it.  They did some great skits and the one main guy was so good.  We laughed and laughed.
















Afterwards we stopped by Cold Stone Creamery and had some ice cream.  When Doug and I go out we usually are by ourselves ,so it was great to get out with some other couples and do something fun.  We got to bed around 12:00 and I am feeling my tiredness hitting me. :)  But it was worth it.


I feel bad that I didn't take any pictures, so you get company logos :)

Avid 4 Adventure

 So our Elementary school pays for this program about every 2 years, called Avid 4 Adventure.  The PTA pays for half with fundraisers etc, and we pay the other half.  They bring in a climbing wall, a mini pool that they can kayak in, and make up a mountain bike obstacle course with ramps.  The kids had so much fun.   Damon and Tyler each got to participate for a full day when their class was assigned.   Then as a family we were able to take a turn after school.  I climbed the wall and the girls got to ride in the kayak with Damon and me.  They didn't like the life jackets much, but they liked being in the boats.  Tyler liked the biking a lot and did very well.  Chris tried the wall, but liked the kayaks more.  It was a fun experience.  Damon's day was nice and sunny - it was the day we stayed after.  Tyler's day was cool and rained a bit, but he still had a good time.

Kaylee

Jenna

Cox's gym

I have to put in a small note here about working out with some of my friends.  One of my friends likes to work out and invited us over to her house in the morning.  We got there at 6:00 and did a circuit training work out.  We did push-ups, kettlebell lifts, sprints, and rope swings.  She has these huge ropes that are attached to the back of her garage and you swing them around.  They are really heavy! Anyway, I was very sore the next day and today too.  But it was a lot of fun and I want to get together again and do some more stuff.  It's great to exercise other people and hey, this gym is free. :)

October

It was a short week this week since we started on a Wednesday due to our trip.  Just a few pictures:

The girls pretending to drive cars.

Digging in the dirt.

 All the kids helped me with some cleaning yesterday as we listened to conference.  They did a pretty good job and cleaned for almost an hour.  They did the walls and baseboards while I did the front of the cupboards and some blinds.

 Yesterday in the evening the boys really wanted to play the Wii with Doug - he doesn't have time to play with them much.  So I took the girls on a bike ride to the park.  They love to run around and play.  They like the bike trailer too which is nice.  I was riding home in the dark - but I got to see a beautiful sunset and enjoy some time with my girls.

Quick trip to St. George

So my Grandpa Fish (my mom's dad) passed away on September 24th.  At first I didn't think we would be able to go to the funeral, but then we heard that both of my brothers were going to make the trip so we decided we should as well.  We rarely have all of us together so it would be worth it.  

Well the trip down was awfully long.  It took us 11 1/2 hours.  We had to drive slowly though many parts due to rain.  It was coming down so hard, at one point Damon asked if it would break the glass. We saw a man driving a corvette with the top down and another man on a motorcycle during two different down pours.   I felt so bad for them.  

We saw some great fall colors on the way down. 

 And we took some silly pictures. 

 This was just after the first picture and Tyler poked Chris in the eye (accidentally by waving his hands too much.)

 My cousin Danielle let us stay with them while we were there.  We are such a big a crazy group that I feel bad imposing on people.  She was a great host, thanks Danielle.  The kids did well sleeping there although it took Jenna awhile to fall asleep the first night.  Kaylee felt like she had a fever and fell asleep in minutes.  Thankfully she never got super sick.  I kept her on some medicine to help keep her fever down and feel better.

Monday we visited with my family before the funeral then went over to the church.  It was a very nice service.  My mom spoke as well as others.  There were also some wonderful musical numbers.  My uncle is an amazing french horn player.  He plays with the Salt Lake Temple Orchestra (I think that's what it's called.) And my brother and his wife did a piano/flute duet that was very good as well.
Then we had lunch at the church.  We had a big group and ate all the food that was provided.  Then we drove to Toquerville for the burial.  It was good to drive by my grandparents old house and think about the memories that were made there.  My grandpa served in the military and had an honorary salute at the grave (playing of Taps and rifle shooting).  That was pretty neat.

Then we went to my Aunt Shelly's and let the kids play.  It was good for them to spend some time with their cousins.  It is hard living so far away that they don't get to see them very often.

 In the evening we went for a quick walk and the kids discovered some mud from the recent flooding of the river.  They had a blast throwing rocks in the gooey mud and watching it splatter everywhere.  Damon got sprayed pretty good, but he had fun.

 We told memories in a circle when we got back to Shelly's and spent some time remembering my grandpa.  It was a good time.  Then we headed back to Danielle's to get ready for the drive back to Colorado the next day.

We hooked up the Wii in the van for this trip and the boys thought it was great.  We discovered however that certain games will not be played in the van in the future.  Cars 2 and Mariokart are too competitive and the boys shout way too loud - Tyler especially.  Batman and Star Wars were much better.

 We saw a full rainbow on the way back, but of course I couldn't get a very good picture of it.  It was on the other side of the van.

 We actually drove through some snow flurries on our return trip and saw some white covered mountain tops.  I guess that's what you get with high altitudes.

We stopped at the Lego store on our way home, it was a nice break to get out and stretch our legs.  The boys love going there and checking out all of the different sets.  They also have blocks you can build with which is fun.

It was hard driving two long days so close together, but I am glad we went.  The way back we made better time and got home after 11 1/2 hours, but that included the longer stop at the Lego Store.  The boys were happy that we got to eat at McDonald's twice.  The girls still don't eat well there,  all they eat are the fries.  They wouldn't even eat a yogurt parfait.  Oh well.

My grandpa was a great man and I learned some more things about him.  He will be missed.  I am grateful that I know that I will see him again.

Book Club

Well, I didn't get a chance to blog last week, so I have a bit of catch up to do.

September 25th was book group.  We had it at our house this month.  We discussed the book Elantris by Brandon Sanderson.  It is one of my favorite fantasy books.  We really only talked about the book for a bit, but mostly visited - which is what I love about my friends here, we can talk forever.  We had a good turn out and had 9 people there including myself.  (Janae, Alayna, Tami, Ashley, Keisha, Sarah, Aubrey, Natalie and myself)

In the book Elantris it is about a city that was glistening white and magical and then turns cursed and dirty - so I made white and brown treats to go along with that theme.  It was a lot of fun.  I usually don't make so much, but it was kind of a farewell party for one of our friends.  She is moving to Arkansas and this was her last book group. :(

I made some new things from pinterent, some lemon truffles and pumpkin truffles.  I liked the lemon ones a bit better.  The pumpkin ones had crushed gingersnaps in them and they were a bit over powering for me.  I had some cauliflower and jicama with dip, some popcorn, and some mini pies.  The brown was mini brownies and a muddy buddy mix that had toffee in it.  

 The pies turned out great.  I was afraid the edges would cave in or they would break but they were very tasty.  I did a key lime and a banana cream.  The cream I piped to look like the towers in the city of Elantris.  I was having fun :)

 I wanted to make something for Janae since she was leaving and I came up with this fun idea that I threw together.  I had some magnets and some of these gems and I got online and made a name collage, and voila and cute magnet so we can remember everyone (I had enough stuff to make one for everybody).  If you were wondering the website was tagxedo.com.  It was really easy and you could choose from a gazillion colors choices and chose different shapes for your name cloud.

We stayed up until midnight talking and eating.  I love my friends here in Firestone!